Vaccine shortages hamper Mpox response in DRC capital

KINSHASA: Efforts to launch a crucial mpox vaccination campaign in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been stalled due to insufficient vaccine supplies, according to Cris Kacita, head of the national mpox control programme.

The outbreak has continued to escalate, particularly impacting children in DRC capital.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global health emergency in August, following the spread of a new strain from Congo to neighbouring countries. However, delays in vaccine shipments have hindered the response.

Currently, Congo has 53,921 doses reserved for high-risk prison populations, but an estimated 162,000 doses are required to initiate vaccinations in Kinshasa, home to nearly 20 million people. Vaccination efforts have commenced in six other provinces.

France has committed 100,000 doses, with additional supplies anticipated from Germany and the African Union. Nevertheless, Kacita cautioned that logistical and administrative challenges could delay distribution further.

Between 28 October and 2 November, Congo reported 1,017 new suspected mpox cases, including 45 confirmed cases and 16 fatalities.

Save the Children has raised concerns about the heightened risk to children, who are nearly four times more likely to succumb to the new strain. By 3 November, the number of suspected cases among children had surged by 130pc since mid-August, totaling 25,600.

“Children are particularly vulnerable to mpox due to their weaker immune systems and exploratory behaviour,” said Katia Vieira de Moraes LaCasse of Save the Children.